By now, we should all know the importance of sleep. A well-rested body means a well-rested mind. Lack of sleep can lead to poor decision-making, irritability and greater susceptibility to illness and disease. In an effort to fall asleep faster and have a longer, more uninterrupted rest, people have resorted to all sorts of medications, exercise regimes and traditional therapies designed to bring on drowsiness and improve sleep habits. Hot tub owners have known for a long time that spending time in a hot tub is a great way to bring on sleepiness. Why does a hot tub make you tired? In this article, we’ll find out.
Dehydration
One way that spending long periods in the hot tub can make you feel tired is due to dehydration. Of course, this probably isn’t the best way to help you get a good night’s rest. Dehydration is something to be avoided rather than encouraged. Spending time in the heated water will raise your internal temperature and cause your body to begin sweating to cool you off. If you’re not already properly hydrated it won’t take very long before you’ll begin to feel drowsy due to the effects of dehydration. Prevent this from happening by drinking plenty of water before and after using a hot tub.
Thermoregulation
Thermoregulation refers to the internal processes that keep the body’s temperature regulated. Ideally, it should be between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s been found that the body cools off while sleeping and then begins to rise again after awakening. The body temperature will continue to rise throughout the day until the evening when it begins to fall again. This sends signals to the brain that the day is coming to an end and it will soon be time to go to sleep again. Soaking in a hot tub mimics this thermoregulatory cycle. When you get in the hot tub your body temperature starts to rise. After getting out it will fall again. You’ll likely feel somewhat tired as the brain is tricked into believing that sleep should be next on the agenda. If you’re looking for a way to induce drowsiness to help you fall asleep, spending some time in a hot tub before bedtime might be helpful.
Relaxation
As any hot tub aficionado will tell you, soaking in a hot tub will relax both your mind and your body. The warm, massaging waters relax your mind by producing pleasure-inducing hormones such as endorphins. Your mind is also better able to relax when your body is relaxed. Heat and massage can loosen muscles, reduce body pains and promote the excretion of built-up toxins. Water buoyancy can also alleviate pressure on weight bearing-joints and bones which can lead to a feeling of lightness. As your mind and body relax, it’s much easier to feel tired and sleepy.
Improved Blood Circulation
The heat and massage of a hot tub are also effective in improving blood circulation. As the body temperature rises, the heart starts pumping harder, the blood vessels and capillaries expand, and the body’s overall blood pressure is reduced. Improved blood circulation also results in more oxygen and nutrients reaching the extremities which help stimulate tissue repair processes. The result of all these actions allows the body to relax and experience feelings of calm and comfort. This can create ideal conditions for feeling tired when it’s time to go to bed. If the opposite occurs due to physical or mental pressures, it’s difficult for the body to relax enough to be able to feel tired or fall asleep easily.
Now that you’ve learned how a hot tub can be used to cause drowsiness, download a free buyer’s guide for more general information.